Joker: Best Comic Issues of the 2000s | ScreenRant
The Joker has been a constant villain of Batman's, developing a toxic obsession with the Caped Crusader. Even though the character has sometimes been used for comic relief, he is best known as a menacing and even terrifying figure. The 2000s built upon the Joker's unpredictably violent and abusive persona. Along with the terror, this decade also perfectly captured the inner pain the Joker goes through in his seemingly meaningless life.
With The Dark Knight's release in 2008, the Joker's popularity only increased, so the 2000s were instrumental in cementing the classic character's legacy for years to come. Likewise, his appearances in DC Comics issues during these years made for some of the best Joker stories of all time.
9 "The Joker" (Joker's Asylum #1, December 2008)
Joker's Asylum is a series of one-shots focusing on some of the best Batman comic villains. The debut issue focuses on the Joker inviting people to a deadly game show. If any contestant gives a wrong answer to one of Joker's absurd questions, they will be subjected to death. The producers even agree to this idea given the attention that the show can generate. Surprisingly, the Joker doesn't resort to violence and instead vows to show the truth behind the camera.
This is a very unconventional story given how the Joker doesn't aimlessly slaughter civilians and plans to expose the hollowness of TV producers and audiences. Such satirical undertones are delightfully unexpected in a Joker comic.
8 The Man Who Laughs (One-Shot, February 2005)
Set a year after Batman's debut as Gotham's protector, The Man Who Laughs serves as another retelling of the Joker's origin story as he confronts his lifelong enemy for the first time. In more ways than one, the comic offers tributes to other classic stories based on the character. In fact, the title itself is a reference to the Victor Hugo novel that influenced the creation of the Joker.
Touching upon Joker's background as the Red Hood (as mentioned in The Killing Joke) and his future career as the Clown Prince of Crime, The Man Who Laughs is a familiar story but delivers greatly on the fan service.
7 "Under The Red Hood" (Batman #635-641, November 2005-March 2006)
Serving as the inspiration for the DC animated movie of the same name, "Under the Red Hood" is a deeply emotive story that revamped Jason Todd. Seemingly killed at the hands of the Joker in "A Death in the Family," Todd is found to be alive as he adopts the antihero alias of the Red Hood, a moniker once used by the man who became the Joker. As he plans to seek revenge, Todd clashes not only with the Joker but also Batman, who disapproves of his violent ideals.
"Under The Red Hood" is a perfect suggestion for fans of Jason Todd, Batman, and, of course, the Joker. Even though the antagonist keeps on laughing in the face of trouble, a grown-up Jason Todd sees through him and even intimidates him to an extent. This makes it one of the few examples of when the Joker actually shows any signs of fear.
6 "Batman R. I. P." (Batman #676-681, May-November 2008)
The wealthy and villainous organization known as the Black Glove serves as the primary antagonist in this investigative thriller. In his pursuit of the truth behind the collective, Batman is forced to confront the traumatic death of his parents while battling Black Glove members who aim to kill him.
The Joker plays an amusing role in this storyline as he joins the Black Glove to the point he's used as a pawn. For instance, the comic involves a deathmatch between Batman and the Joker with the rich patrons raising a wager. However, the solo villain is ready to go his own way as he double-crosses the Black Glove and places a bet on Batman's survival. All in all, Batman R.I.P is another case study in understanding Joker's sheer unpredictability.
5 "Emperor Joker" (Superman #160-161, September-October 2000)
"Emperor Joker" pits the Joker against Superman as the former gains supernatural powers. After stealing Mister Mxyzptlk's abilities, the Joker manipulates reality, capturing everyone in time loops. Before Superman duels with him, he makes Batman go through a torturous death, only to resurrect him and repeat the process. The moment is definitely one of the most heartbreaking deaths in Superman comics.
The symbiotic relationship between Batman and the Joker is brought out yet again in this twisted storyline. While Batman abides by his "no killing" rule, the Joker also doesn't wish to kill him but rather torture him to his heart's content. Adding Superman to the mix offers a unique take as the Joker hadn't combated the Kryptonian earlier.
4 Joker (One-Shot - October 2008)
Recounted from the perspective of the Joker's henchman Johnny Frost, this significant one-shot by writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo is a disturbing dive into its titular character's psyche. The story plays out as a crime thriller involving a turf war between the Joker and Two-Face. Even though Frost looks up to his boss, he only gets betrayed by the Joker who wishes to take over all of Gotham.
True to its title, Joker is solely focused on its central character, with Batman making only a brief appearance. The comic provides enough room to unravel the many layers of his twisted brain. In this sense, Joker is easily comparable to other classic one-shots like The Killing Joke.
3 Dark Detective (Complete Series, July-September 2005)
As Batman deals with the reappearance of a mysterious ex-lover, Dark Detective deals with a larger plot that sees the Joker in an all-new light. Readers know him as a criminal, a humorist, and a villain. But in this case, he becomes a politician as he runs for the post of governor with the simple slogan, "Vote for me or I'll kill you." Considering Batman's close relationship with Gotham City, he must stop the Joker from running for office.
This new avatar of the Joker bears testimony to his constant struggle for attention. Usually, the Joker has no particular reason to wreak havoc. He sees himself as an entertainer who will go to any lengths to amuse his audience.
2 "Last Laugh" (Crossover)
Detained within the walls of the Slab penitentiary, the Joker discovers that he is suffering from a fatal brain tumor. Never one to fear death, he decides to act as an agent of chaos one last time. In typical Joker fashion, he incites a prison riot. As his chaos spreads across the rest of the world, the Bat-family and Lex Luthor (having a wholesome moment as the President of the United States) try their best to stop him for once and for all.
With such an ambitious story, the "Last Laugh" storyline finds the Joker at his most annoying self. He carries no remorse as he abducts Harley Quinn, slays multiple prison guards, and incites Nightwing to beat him to death.
1 "Soft Targets" (Gotham Central #12-15, December 2003-March 2004)
A storyline within the police procedural series Gotham Central, "Soft Targets" finds the Joker mindlessly massacring not just civilians but also police officials. When he's done with his spree, he ends up handing himself over to the authorities. Bored yet again behind bars, he escapes and continues his violent escapades.
"Soft Targets" is a perfect example of showcasing the toxic cycle of self-destruction to which the Joker subjects himself. At times, his actions have no ulterior motives or reasons. He just likes causing mayhem for the sake of it. Such personality traits are further emulated with this storyline.
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September 29, 2021 at 02:00AM
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posted by Puram arjun @ September 29, 2021
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